Home
Costa Rica
PLAN MY VISIT
Costa Rica Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Costa Rica
  3. Destinations
  4. Northern Lowlands

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

Just miles from the Nicaraguan border lays a phenomenal bird-watching and natural sightseeing heaven. Situated in the Northern Lowland plains is 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) of wetlands, rainforest and swampland that make up the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Cano Negro).

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica
←→

Still one of the most important wetlands in the world, the refuge was named Wetland of International Importance in 1991, and for good reason. The Cold River (Rio Frio) is the largest flowing river in the area and is the main water source of Cano Negro Lake (Lago Cano Negro), a 2,000 acre (810 ha) lake that plays a crucial role for the environment. In the rainy season the rising water level invades the surrounding landscape, but in the dry season the water ebbs, exposing the dried out basin and the main channel of the Cold River which surges from the slopes of the Tilaran Mountain Range.

The delicate ecosystems found here supply a plethora of different plants and animal life, many of which are endangered or rare. More than 200 bird species can be found inside Cano Negro and its environment is especially vital for those species that migrate here from the north. Many of the fowl found here include anhingas, the captivating ibis, jabiru storks, the curious roseate spoonbill, a very large population of cormorants, northern jacanas, ducks and egrets.

Other wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, deer, monkeys, caiman, turtles, snook, tarpon, and guapote find homes here. Also keep an eye out for sloths hanging from the trees above. With such a large and diverse fish population, anglers have a good shot at reeling in some trophies during fishing season which extends from July to March.

Throughout the dry months, February through April, the park can be easily accessed by road. During this time many of the swamps and wetlands dry up, transforming the layout of the refuge. The resulting lagoon filled basin attracts thousands of birds whose roar can often be confused with a jetliner as they fly overhead. During the rainy season boats are the main form of transportation as flooding causes many of the roads to be inaccessible for vehicles.

Many excursions are offered from the town of Los Chiles, 60 miles (96 km) north of Ciudad Quesada along Hwy 35. From there transportation into Cano Negro can be arranged. From La Fortuna head east towards Muelle, then north along Hwy 35 to Los Chiles.

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Things to Do

Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve | Costa RicaCano Negro Wildlife Reserve
←→

Wildlife Sightings

Common BasiliskCommon Basilisk
Black CtenosaurBlack Ctenosaur
Spectacled CaimanSpectacled Caiman
Mantled Howler MonkeyMantled Howler Monkey
Narrow-headed Vine SnakeNarrow-headed Vine Snake
ZopilotaZopilota
Spider MonkeySpider Monkey
←→
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 528 reviews
Trustpilot
A Truly Memorable Vacation!
Erick was instrumental in helping make our vacation to Costa Rica a great one. The excursions were great and all transpo...
Sep 22, 2021
– Rob D.
Trustpilot Rating
A perfect, seamless, stress-free, fun filled trip!
Aside from telling them what I was looking for from my experience, I didn't have to do any work at all! If only all trav...
Aug 05, 2021
– Kacie C.
Trustpilot Rating
Trip of a Lifetime!
Anywhere.com came highly recommended and therefore expectations were high. Our two week stay in La Fortuna, Monteverde, ...
Aug 03, 2021
– Laura O.
Trustpilot Rating
Awesome vacation, everything went smoothly
Our agent (Erick) planned a great trip for our family of 5. All the tours were excellent, all the transport and lodging ...
Mar 17, 2020
– David
Trustpilot Rating
Very good first experience
We used Anywhere.com to help arrange a full-day visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. We did this only a few ...
Mar 16, 2020
– Lew W.
Trustpilot Rating
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time…
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time before our departure to provide an itineary based on what we already researched a...
Mar 14, 2020
– Thomas hi.
Trustpilot Rating
Monteverde reserve guided hike was…
Monteverde reserve guided hike was great. Fraser was knowledgeable and friendly.
Mar 13, 2020
– Joan
Trustpilot Rating
The Best Guidea
Anywhere is the best. Their attention to detail and knowledge is unmatched. The guide was very attentive, knowledgeable,...
Mar 12, 2020
– Howard Z
Trustpilot Rating
I can't thank Anywhere enough!
I can't thank Anywhere enough for providing me with a fantastic, stress-free vacation.
Mar 11, 2020
– Christoph.
Trustpilot Rating
The overall experience with Anywhere.com in Costa Rica was FIVE STAR.
The overall experience with Anywhere,com was definitely worth five stars. The choice of where to go and what to do provi...
Mar 09, 2020
– John and .
Trustpilot Rating
Our trip to Costa Rica was impeccably…
Our trip to Costa Rica was impeccably planned. Lizza and the rest of the team at Anywhere.com did a great job planning o...
Mar 09, 2020
– Kevin
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere did a great job of helping us…
Anywhere did a great job of helping us plan our trip. All of the pick ups, hotels and tours were great. The guides wer...
Mar 09, 2020
– Kristine
Trustpilot Rating
I had no time to plan a vacation and…
I had no time to plan a vacation and the time was fast approaching. Emailed Anywhere, told the I wanted jungle and ocean...
Mar 09, 2020
– Cecelia
Trustpilot Rating
Loved it!
It can be hard to go through a company only online to book a trip. But this is one to do it with!!!! So easy and they ar...
Mar 08, 2020
– Miranda
Trustpilot Rating
A great adventure
We loved our experience on the zip lines,felt very safe and cared for. All4 of us 60+ Year olds highly recommend this f...
Mar 06, 2020
– Patricia
Trustpilot Rating
Costa Rica Vacations
  • Adventure
  • All-inclusive
  • Beach
  • Budget
  • Eco-tourism
  • Family
  • Group
  • Honeymoon
  • Luxury
  • Nature
  • Private
  • Rainforest
  • Romantic
Highlights
  • Top Destinations
  • Beaches
  • Rainforests
  • Cloudforest
  • Volcanoes
  • Waterfalls
  • Surfing
  • Leisure
  • Off the Beaten Path
  • Airports
Costa Rica Travel
  • Maps
  • Safety
  • Weather & Climate
  • Sustainability
  • Holiday Season
  • Currency
  • Driving & Car Rental
  • Getting Around
PLACES TO GO
  • Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
  • Monteverde Cloudforests
  • Manuel Antonio Beach & Jungle
  • Tamarindo Beach
  • Santa Theresa & Malpais Beaches
  • Puerto Viejo Beach
  • Nosara Beach
  • Jaco Beach
  • Tortuguero Rainforest
  • Corcovado Rainforest
  • Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & Waterfall
  • Nicoya Peninsula
  • Guanacaste Beaches
  • Osa Peninsula
THINGS TO DO
  • Hot Springs
  • Zip Lines
  • Suspension Bridges
  • Horseback
  • Rappel
  • Wildlife
  • Hiking
  • Chocolate Farms
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Coffee Farms
  • Butterfly Gardens
  • Surfing
  • Sport Fishing
  • Birdwatching
  • Scuba Diving
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Indigenous Culture
  • Yoga
  • Wellness
  • Cave Exploration
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2022 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy